Living For The Future

"Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Therefore, let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you." -  Philippians 3:13-15

Are you living for the future or living in the past. As Christians, that is the dilemma we face every day. Our tendency is to continue to live as we did before we met Jesus on the road. Holding on to the same priorities. My daughter often says with respect to making life changes, repenting from our old ways if you will, we must be willing to change the "people, places and things" in our lives. For most of us we can accommodate change in one or two of them, but all three.  Well, that is a challenge! Maybe more of a challenge than we are willing to submit to. Paul says five (5) things about that. 

1. Forget what is behind. Don't let your old life be what drives the way you live and love. Your primary devotion must be to God and not the world.

2. Reach forward to those things which are ahead. Live for your future and in a manner that honors God. Live the way that God has revealed His will for you in His Word.

3. Press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Our goal should be to be more like Jesus - that's the call of God. 

4. As many as are mature, have this mind. That is how a mature Christian thinks. What they focus on as the number one priority in life. It is what a mature Christian desires and does. 

5. If in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. If you don't think that way, not desiring those things which are ahead, not pressing on as Paul suggests, then seek God and God will reveal this truth to you.

"Trust in the Lord and do good. Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass. He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, And your justice as the noonday." - Psalm 37:3-6

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone